Cheap flights Türkiye (Turkey)

Officially called the Republic of Turkey, Turkey is a country largely located in West Asia, while a portion is located in Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Syria, along with three bodies of water: the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Dardanalles straits, meanwhile, demarcate the boundary between Thrace and Anatolia, which separates Asia from Europe. Turkey's location at the crossroads of the two continents makes it an important country, forming a geographically strategic location that has served it well through the years.

Today, Turkey is a democratic, secular, unitary, and constitutional republic with a diverse cultural heritage. The country's official language is Turkish, a Turkic language that is spoken by some 85 percent of the population. 70-80% of the population is composed of ethnic Turks, while the remainder is divided among Armenians, Greeks, Jews, Kurds, Circassians, Albanians, Bosniaks, and Georgians. Muslim is the prevailing religion in the country.

Where to go

Ankara – Ankara, historically known as Ancyra and Angora, is the capital of Turkey and the second largest city in the country next to Istanbul. It is the center of the Turkish government, and an important commercial and industrial city at the heart of the Turk nation. Located in Central Anatolia, Ankara is one of the key cities of the country since the beginning of time, being placed in such an area that is very much accessible to both the continents of Asia and Europe. It has been influenced with several groups through time, including Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman inspirations that are still evident in the local cultural and historic sites. When in Ankara, visit the impressive Temple of Augustus and Rome, also known as the Monumentum Ancyranum, which was built in the 20th BC. Also check out the opulent Kocatepe Mosque, the Anitkabir or the memorial tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Atakule Tower, and the Genclik Park. Try to delve into the local culture too, by tasting the savory dishes sold on the business districts, or even getting a feel of the local opera, ballet, and others.

Istanbul – known as the biggest city in the country, Istanbul is Turkey's economic, cultural, and historical heart. While Ankara is its political center, Istanbul is the more colorful, busier, and upbeat side of Turkey – home to some 14.4 million locals of mixed races. Istanbul is known as a transcontinental city, being placed almost right in the middle of Asia and Europe. When in Istanbul, visit its historic center, which is a UNESCO World heritage site, the Golden Horn. Its natural harbor is where the cultural and entertainment hubs of the country are located; and several other sites that are within the city.

Casablanca (Morocco) – Casablanca is the largest city of the country of Morocco, located on the north-western part of the country that is facing the North Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest city in the Maghreb district, and one of the more important cities in Africa. Casablanca stands as Morocco's chief port and industrial center, playing an important role to boost the real capital, Rabat. When in Casablanca, immerse in its colorful souq (market) culture, taste test several of the delicacies that can be found on the streets, and delve into its history by visiting the old city, including its impressive bathhouses.

Nice (France, Cote d'Azur) – Nice, or in Italian, Nizza, is the fifth most populous city in France, famous for its port and its waters. It is fondly called Nice la Belle, which literally translates into “Nice the Beautiful,” primarily because of its natural beauty. The mild Mediterranean climate, along with the beautiful waters, makes Nice an irresistible destination to be in. Apart from the waters, visit Nice's pretty squares, which include the Place Massena, the Place Garibaldi, the Place Rossetti and the Cathedral, the Cours Saleya, the Place du Palais, and many others.

San Francisco (United States) – San Francisco is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California. Founded on June 29, 1776, San Francisco has fast become an important city in the United States, along with being a favorite tourism destination. Cool summers, fog, steep rolling hills, interesting architecture, and landmarks are what draws tourists into SanFran, apart from it being a commercial center. When in San Francisco, visit its Chinatown district, ride the cable cars, check out the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, and of course - take a picture on the famous Golden Gate Bridge. (on a vista, of course.)

Manila (Philippines) – Serving as the center of the Philippines, Manila is the capital and one of the sixteen cities that make up the National Capital Region. It is a densely populated conurbation, listed as a global city in 2012 while being an original global city along with Madrid and Mexico City. Its Spanish, American, and Japanese influences have shaped what the city is today – a progressive and partly notorious melting pot. When in Manila, delve into the street culture and taste the local Asian-fusion meals in the streets, visit the old Spanish walled city Intramuros, and hop on the jeepney to check out the National Museum and the National Library.

How to get out

The busiest airport in the country is the Ataturk International Airport, located in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey. The Ataturk Airport is very much connected to most parts of the world, across almost all inhabited continents. Airlines that travel to the airport include Turkish Airlines, Yakutia Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, KLM, Iran Air, Iberia, and many others.